Pulong Duterte, supporters celebrate Rodrigo Duterte's birthday in The Hague

THE HAGUE, The Netherlands – Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte joined supporters gathered outside the International Criminal Court (ICC) Detention Center on Saturday to mark the 81st birthday of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Addressing the crowd, Rep. Duterte expressed gratitude for the continued support shown not only for his father but for their family.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga Pilipino sa buong mundo na patuloy na nagdarasal para sa kalusugan ni (former) President Rody at salamat sa patuloy na suporta sa pamilya namin lalo na kay VP Inday," he said.

(I thank all the Filipinos in the whole world who continue to pray for the health of [former] President Rody, and thank you also for the continued support for our family, especially for VP Inday.)

A large turnout from across Europe

The street near the detention facility was filled with supporters who traveled from across Europe and beyond. The area was lined with flowers, letters, and photos, while a makeshift stage was set up with a sound system—turning the space into a coordinated gathering point for the celebration.

Rep. Duterte said he was overwhelmed by the turnout and the energy of the crowd.

“No words to describe it. Halos 'di ako makapagsalita. Sobrang daming tao at nasiyahan tayo at ang buong pamilya ay nagpapasalamat," he said.

(I was almost speechless. There were so many people and we were happy and the whole family is grateful.)

Updates on Duterte’s condition

With many supporters eager for updates, Rep. Duterte shared that the former president is in good condition and is being well cared for inside the facility.

“Last Thursday, andoon kami. Medyo tumaba tapos malakas na ang tuhod niya. Inalagaan naman siya. Mabuti sa loob ang mga doctor at nurse,” he said, recalling his recent visit.

(We were there last Thursday. He gained some weight and his knees are strong. We took care of him. The doctors and nurse inside the facility are good.)

He also said that his father is aware of the gatherings taking place just outside the detention center.

“Nasabihan ko. Naririnig niya, nandiyan lang siya sa may likod. Sabi ko, sa mga oras na ito, lapit lang siya sa may window," the congressman said.

(I told him about it. He could hear [what is happening], as he is just near the back. I told him to go near the window at about this hour.)

Rep. Duterte added that he plans to visit again on Monday.

Awaiting ICC decision on confirmation of charges

The gathering comes as attention remains focused on the ongoing proceedings at the ICC. The court’s Pre-Trial Chamber is currently evaluating whether there is sufficient evidence to confirm the charges of crimes against humanity filed against the former president—an essential step before a full trial can proceed.

Asked about the anticipated outcome, Rep. Duterte kept his response brief: We leave it all to God. Thank you."

Meanwhile, supporters continue to gather regularly outside the Scheveningen Detention Center. 

Davao celebration, VP Sara message

Thousands of supporters took part in the joint celebration of the 89th Araw ng Davao and the 81st birthday of the former president in Davao City on Saturday.

Participants gathered for a solidarity walk along Roxas Avenue starting at 4 p.m.

The procession ended at Rizal Park, where a program was held in honor of Duterte’s birthday.

Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday called for vigilance against what she calls "weaponization of the law" and the "intrusion of foreign bodies" allegedly seeking to bypass Philippine courts.

"We must remain vigilant against the weaponization of the law and the unconstitutional intrusion of foreign bodies that seek to bypass our own courts," the vice president said in a video message.

"Our justice system must remain independent, serving only the mandate of the Filipino people and never the interests of foreign powers," she added.

VP Sara also thanked their family's supporters for remembering her father.

"Today, we celebrate the birthday of my father, our former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. To all the parallel support groups, volunteers, and the millions of Filipinos here and abroad who organized celebrations to honor him, maraming salamat sa inyong walang sawang pagmamahal at katapatan (thank you very much for your unending love and loyalty)," she said.

"Your loyalty to him is a testament to a leadership that truly prioritized the safety and dignity of every Filipino family," the vice president added.

Former president Duterte has been detained at the ICC in The Hague since March 12, 2025 after his arrest. He is awaiting trial in connection with the alleged abuses in his war on drugs when he was Davao City mayor and president. —KG, GMA Integrated News